Seven UT students have been recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, and outstanding service with the university’s highest student honor—the Torchbearer award.

The students were recently notified of their selection with surprise visits from Chancellor Beverly Davenport and other UT administrators while in class, in student organization meetings, and even in their coach’s office. They will receive a Torchbearer medal during the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet on Wednesday, April 19. The event is the university’s largest recognition event of the year.

The following students received the award:

Joshua Dobbs, of Alpharetta, Georgia, is recognized for his leadership on and off the field. The Vols quarterback is also an accomplished aerospace engineering student and a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program. Despite his hectic academic and athletic schedules, he has found time to give back to the community. He’s spoken at a number of events, including UT Day on the Hill and the 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville Gala. He gives back to the community by visiting patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Erlanger Children’s Hospital, making a special point of reaching out to youngsters with alopecia. He also volunteered to serve others after the Sevier County wildfires.

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